Editing Penelope (section)

=== The geese ===
In Book 19, Penelope talks to Odysseus, who is disguised as a beggar/peasant. Penelope poses questions to Odysseus, unknowingly talking to her husband. Penelope shares a dream she had with him. In her dream, twenty geese were eating in the courtyard. Instantly, an eagle flies down to kill all of the geese. The eagle tells Penelope that her husband will return and retaliate against the suitors. Thus, the geese symbolize the suitors and the eagle represents Odysseus. Odysseus, still disguised as a beggar, believes the dream has meaning. He agrees with the eagle’s prophecy that Penelope’s husband will return. However, Penelope disagrees with his interpretation. She maintains her doubts about Odysseus' return and ultimately decides to follow through with a contest to choose her next husband. Penelope was skeptical of her dream and studied it on her own accord. Dreams were often seen as a divine prophecy cast down to mortals. Penelope rejects this notion by dismissing the dream. Even when a man, who is unknowingly Odysseus, agrees with the prophecy, she remains steadfast in her interpretation. Sissa's provocative interpretation of Penelope contrasts with her conventional narrative. This specific moment in Book 19 embodies Penelope’s intelligence and agency. She chooses to make her own decisions, regardless of the gods or what men in her life suggest. Her decisions are hers and hers alone. This is true because Penelope has desires. Penelope does not solely exist as an object for Odysseus' mantle. She is her own person and considers the idea of having a second husband. This moment encapsulates her desire and decision-making capabilities, which clashes with the typical understanding that Penelope is a devoted housewife to Odysseus. Sissa notes that although the audience knows the end of the Odyssey, where Odysseus does come back, that does not negate the decision Penelope makes in Book 19. Her choice still has meaning even if the plot reveals a different outcome. This choice demonstrates Penelope’s assertions. She wanted a second husband and decided to follow through with that decision.